Our History

Camp Weed was founded in June of 1924 near St. Augustine Beach, Florida. The Diocese of Florida sponsored its first summer program with 40 children attending. The camp was named in 1925 for the late Rt. Rev. Edwin Gardner Weed, who was the third Bishop of Florida.

For more about our history, click on the read more link in the boxes below.

1924

Camp Weed was founded in June 1924 near St. Augustine Beach, Florida. The Diocese of... read more

1924

Camp Weed was founded in June 1924 near St. Augustine Beach, Florida. The Diocese of Florida sponsored its first summer program with 40 children attending.

1925

In 1925, the camp moved to St. Andrew Bay, Panama City, Florida. The Camp was named for the... read more

1925

In 1925, the camp moved to St. Andrew Bay, Panama City, Florida. The Camp was named for the late Rt. Rev. Edwin Gardner Weed, who was the third Bishop of Florida.

1929

In 1929, the Episcopal Diocese of Florida purchased 10 acres of land overlooking St. Andrew... read more

1929

In 1929, the Episcopal Diocese of Florida purchased 10 acres of land overlooking St. Andrew Bay, including a former hotel and 4 screened bungalows. The Diocese held several camp sessions in 1930 for 130 campers.

1940

By the 1940's over 400 people were coming to Camp Weed every summer.

1940

By the 1940's over 400 people were coming to Camp Weed every summer.

1942

In 1942, the U.S. Army commissioned Camp Weed's St. Andrew Bay site to be used for the war... read more

1942

In 1942, the U.S. Army commissioned Camp Weed's St. Andrew Bay site to be used for the war effort. The St. Joe Paper Company then offered the Diocese, beachfront property on St. James Bay near St. Teresa, that could be used for a camp during WWII. However, this property was soon needed and used by the U.S. Military for the war effort.

Camp Weed was moved to temporary quarters on St. John's River in Hibernia, Florida during WWII.

By the end of WWII, the Camp returned to the St. Teresa site in 1946.

Camp Weed now had barracks, mess halls and offices which became dormitories, a dining room, a chapel, a recreation house and a crafts/hobby house.

The next decade, the Camp grew and the facilities were used for a wide range of programs and meetings.

1960

Camp Weed grew and flourished with over 650 campers.

1960

Camp Weed grew and flourished with over 650 campers.

1978

By 1970, several factors made it apparent that relocation to a more central site in the... read more

1978

By 1970, several factors made it apparent that relocation to a more central site in the Florida Diocese was inevitable. In 1976, the Diocesan Convention authorized acquisition of a "centrally located site of adequate size." In 1978 the Diocese sold the St. Teresa property and purchased 520 acres near Live Oak, Florida.

1983

For several years, summer campers roughed it in tents, but in 1981 the first permanent... read more

1983

For several years, summer campers roughed it in tents, but in 1981 the first permanent facilities were built.

In 1982 campers helped develop swimming and recreation areas, cleared roads and built seven cabins. In 1983 a new kitchen and Juhan dining room were added.

Through the years, additional cabins, a conference center, lodging rooms and a new swimming pool were added.

1995

Mandi's Chapel was built in 1995 in memorial to Amanda Petway. In following years, Varn... read more

1995

Mandi's Chapel was built in 1995 in memorial to Amanda Petway. In following years, Varn Dining Hall and the Ravine, a new lodging room pod with a conference room was built in 2004.

In 2006, the Snell/McCarty Youth Pavilion, a gymnasium for groups up to 450 was built.

During his episcopacy, Bishop Cerveny and the Diocese built Cerveny Conference Center, increased church membership and established the Episcopal Foundation for support of extended ministries within and outside the church.

2006

The Snell/McCarty Youth Pavilion was built in 2006. Youth enjoy the Pavilion daily during... read more

2006

The Snell/McCarty Youth Pavilion was built in 2006. Youth enjoy the Pavilion daily during the summer camps. The "YP" is equipped with a stage, basketball court, lobby, summer camp office and infirmary.

2008

10 Camps hosting almost 1,000 kids a year.

2008

10 Camps hosting almost 1,000 kids a year.

2014

The Damon Boat House was constructed in 2014, given in memory of Olive McFall Damon. ... read more

2014

The Damon Boat House was constructed in 2014, given in memory of Olive McFall Damon. Bishop Howard blessed and dedicated the Boat House October 4, 2014. Ceremony was attended by Dr. David Reid Damon and their children. Architect ~ Jon Cotner